For a majority of people, the list of their top-3 wide receivers are exactly the same. It includes Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, and Odell Beckham Jr. (in any order). But I’m going to tell you exactly who the top-5 wide receivers are currently in the NFL.
#5–Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Mike Evans has blossomed into a tough, gritty wide-out. He can burn you, he can run through you, or he can out-jump you. The great thing about Evans moving forward is that he’s very young, he’s only getting better, and on top of that, his QB (Jameis Winston) is young and improving too. This duo is going to be something to watch out for in the near future. Mike Evans has solidified himself as a top wide receiver in the game. Last year, Evans put up 96 receptions, 1,321 yards, and 12 TDs. These stats are incredible, but the only reason he isn’t higher on this list is because he has to do this for another year or two. He’s still young and hasn’t been in the league for very long so there is no doubt in my mind he’s going to crack the top-3 in the near future. Guys like Mike Evans and Odell Beckham are the future of the NFL.
#4–A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals:
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A.J. Green is one of those guys you never really hear much about. He’s on a team that isn’t talked about much, he isn’t very outspoken, he just keeps to himself and gets the job done. He doesn’t get talked about much because he produces year in and year out. He’s been one of the most consistent receivers over the last three years. Unfortunately, Green missed six games last season so his stats don’t tell the whole story. However, in 2015, Green had 86 receptions, 1,297 yards, and 10 TDs. Out of all the players remaining in this list, I believe Green has the worst QB, which makes it all the more impressive when he is having the type of seasons that he has had.
#3–Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants:
Beckham is becoming one of the biggest celebrities in not only the NFL, but in the celebrity world. Whether you like him or hate him, you know his every move and what he has been up to. Odell Beckham is a walking highlight reel and that’s what makes him such a great player. He can do it all, but the thing that impresses me the most about him is his ability to make plays after the catch. Yeah, yeah, we all know about his infamous catch against the Cowboys, but his skill goes beyond that. Last year, Odell Beckham had 101 receptions, 1,367 yards, and 10 TDs. Keep in mind, Beckham and Eli Manning weren’t on the same page early on and it caused both of them to start off very slow. Had they started clicking a little earlier, Beckham’s stats would be much better. If he can just get his act together, there’s a good chance Odell Beckham Jr. will be in the discussion for the best wide receiver to ever play the game.
#2–Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers:
Antonio Brown is the best route runner in the league. His quick feet and ability to create to separation is second to none. As a cornerback, you have to keep Antonio Brown in front of you at all times. If he gets the slightest separation, it won’t end well for you. With Le’Veon Bell in the backfield for Pittsburgh, the trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown is arguably the best trio in the entire league, which always makes for a fun time if we’re talking entertainment. In 2016, Antonio Brown had 106 receptions, 1,284 yards, and 12 TDs. In the postseason, Antonio Brown had 18 receptions, 309 yards and 2 TDs. His performance in the playoffs was incredible, but the player who tops this list had a great postseason of his own.
#1–Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons:
Julio Jones is known for his ability to go up and come down with any ball that is thrown in his radius. Along with his MVP QB Matt Ryan, Julio Jones absolutely tore secondaries to shreds. In the regular season, he posted 83 receptions, 1,409 yards and 6 TDs. The TDs may seem low, but that’s only because the offense he has around him is spectacular and there are more weapons on the Falcons than just Julio Jones. In the playoffs, Jones put up 19 receptions, 334 yards and 3 TDs. In the playoffs is when Julio proved he was a man amongst boys. Some of the routes he ran and the catches he made were just unbelievable to watch from a fan’s standpoint. To me, Julio Jones is the best wide receiver in the NFL.
